Vista 64-bit + 4GB = Big Trouble

I'm sure it has been mentioned a few times already, but having personally gone through the whole ordeal and tried just about everything under the sun, I'm forced to beseech user communities for help.

As you can probably guess by the title of this thread, I am having trouble using 4GB of memory in my new computer. Allow me to elaborate on the details:

• Motherboard: DFI Blood Iron P35-T2RL
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Yorkfield Q9450
• Graphics: nVidia GeForce 9800GTX
• PSU: RaidMax Aurora 2--600W
• Memory: Patriot Viper 2x2GB DDR2-800--4GB total (but currently only 2GB installed for above reason)
• OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (slipstreamed installation)

The SP1 is key here, since this is supposed to include a hotfix from Microsoft (KB929777) that deals with the problem. In my case, however, the problem persists. It is also very random in nature, ranging from IRQL errors to Page Faults to problems with ntfs.sys and so on, but it always ends the same way: a STOP.

I have used various other operating systems, including Linux Live CDs to verify that the problem is not my CPU or mobo. The problem is not with drivers either, it seems, since they all seem up to date. Nor is it the RAM since I'm able to swap the one active stick with no ill effects.

I really wish to have access to all 4GB, not only for the Dual Channel benefit (it's the only thing keeping me from maxing out my performance index) but also because I plan on doing media work which would benefit from all the headroom. If you have found ways to solve your problem, please share them on this thread.

PS. I've already gone through four installations of Vista only to resign myself to staying with 2GB for the duration.

Did you check in your BIOS that all memory settings are configured properly? Timings? Voltage? Try doing a Memtest86+ on one RAM stick at a time to see if one of the sticks are faulty.GamingMonkeyPC

[QUOTE="zaku101"]Just get Xp no one really uses Vista.the_dude69

Wow thats helpful...

Is the RAM fully supported by your mobo? i know mine has difficulties with 4GB of crucial ballistix 1066MHZ ram, yet the 800 works fine.

As for the OS, all I have is Vista 64-bit. Besides, I need the driver support and (since I have a 9800GTX) I would like to have DX10 support.

Just get Xp no one really uses Vista.zaku101

LOL, ignorance FTW!

Instead of setting the memory to auto, go manual. Some of the systems I have built for my friends tend to be picky on memory settings when running dual channel mode... for your case I think it would be:

4-4-4-12; 2.2V; 800MHz

Instead of setting the memory to auto, go manual. Some of the systems I have built for my friends tend to be picky on memory settings when running dual channel mode... for your case I think it would be:

4-4-4-12; 2.2V; 800MHz

GamingMonkeyPC

Gave Portal a whirl just for kicks. It threw me out (program crash--probably related to my nVidia card; known issue) after about 30 minutes, but compared to what I had last (3GHz P4 on an 8400GS), it's a world of difference. But I'll try your advice after I put an anti-virus in and make sure all the current software is clear.

Instead of setting the memory to auto, go manual. Some of the systems I have built for my friends tend to be picky on memory settings when running dual channel mode... for your case I think it would be:

4-4-4-12; 2.2V; 800MHz

GamingMonkeyPC

Gave Portal a whirl just for kicks. It threw me out (program crash--probably related to my nVidia card; known issue) after about 30 minutes, but compared to what I had last (3GHz P4 on an 8400GS), it's a world of difference. But I'll try your advice after I put an anti-virus in and make sure all the current software is clear

UPDATE: According to the label, it's supposed to be 2.2V. If that don't beat all. The BIOS was only feeding the sticks 1.95V. I pumped it up. Now all I can do is wait and see if it holds.

UPDATE #2: So far so good. I was able to complete the performance index test and max out the score at 5.9 (not using it for any serious benchmarking but just to be sure my rig is running optimally--before I got Dual Channel back, RAM access dragged me down to 5.4). But it looks like I'll have to step out again for a bit. For some odd reason, my CPU is being underclocked. The multiplier (according to CPU-Z) is at 6--should be 8. Odd...

UPDATE #3: OIC. The mult seems to step down when the CPU's at low load. It jumps back up to 8 when I put a little more load on it.

how long did you run memtest for?

dfi boards do like to have their settings manually set as I've found.

There's nothing wrong with your memory. If you installed vista with 4gb installed, I suggest you reformat with 2gb installed. You do not need sp1 for the hot fix. There is a standalone fix for this problem:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777/en-us

I had the same problem happening but once I figured it out, everything is fine. Only thing I don't like is having to take a memory stick out when formatting. Besides, it's not just vista, but the combination of vista + various motherboards. You do not have to do any ram tests, change any speeds or timings.

There's nothing wrong with your memory. If you installed vista with 4gb installed, I suggest you reformat with 2gb installed. You do not need sp1 for the hot fix. There is a standalone fix for this problem:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777/en-us

I had the same problem happening but once I figured it out, everything is fine. Only thing I don't like is having to take a memory stick out when formatting. Besides, it's not just vista, but the combination of vista + various motherboards. You do not have to do any ram tests, change any speeds or timings.

muirplayer

But it seems that, for my Blood Iron mobo, you need to input the DIMM's vitals manually. Otherwise, it gets it wrong. I had to manually set the mobo to read my DIMMS as 4-4-4-12@2.20V, as labeled on the sticker. As of yet, I haven't gotten a problem since properly setting the memory timings.

Wow. Kinda weird. Haven't come acroos a mobo that has to have timings/votlages set manually. At least you aren't getting theerror anymore. For some reason though I never saw that kb929777 fix in any of the auto updates.muirplayer

But since I've got a night job, I need to hit the sack. I'll let the machine keep running and see where it goes from here.

I am also having this problem and have yet to find a solution, Ive dont eh voltage and timings, hotfixes, memtest

both sticks work fine alone. I got an XFX 780i mobo and 2 x 2gb OCZ SLi 800 mhz ram

According to some reviews at Newegg, perhaps 4-4-4-12 2.0V@800MHz should be ideal for my Patriot memory. I'll give that a try later on.HuusAsking

Tip: Don't use NewEgg's review as reference in the future. A huge number of reviewers in there are either...

a) Sales from the same manufactuer to get you to buy it
b) People that just don't read instructions
c) People who didn't even purchase the product and gives their opinion anyways - which tends to be either a question or just false information

I am also having this problem and have yet to find a solution, Ive dont eh voltage and timings, hotfixes, memtest

both sticks work fine alone. I got an XFX 780i mobo and 2 x 2gb OCZ SLi 800 mhz ram

gslaughs

If they are what I think they are (OCZ2N800SR4GK), then your timings should be 5-4-4-15 and your voltage should be 2.1V.